From a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

RIZLA SUZUKI READY TO RACE

Rizla Suzuki riders John Reynolds and Yukio Kagayama are ready for the first round of the British Superbike Championship after spending today in a final pre-season test at the Silverstone circuit in Northamptonshire.

Testing alongside the main British Superbike teams, the Rizla Suzuki riders made the most of their time on track testing new wiring looms, Ohlins suspension units and engine electronics.

Reynolds set a fast time of 1:27.9 in the third and final session on track, after finding a fork setting that he was happy with. He set the time on race rubber while testing parts. Kagayama missed the third and final session of the day when most riders posted their quickest times. He still managed an impressive 1:28.8 lap in the second session and was happy to be back at Silverstone, one of his favourite circuits.

The first round of the British Superbike Championship takes place at Silverstone on March 28th.


John Reynolds: “That’s the testing over with and it has been very worthwhile for the team. We now have the best evolution of the Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 ever to be ridden on a race track and that is very encouraging.

“In a way it is a relief to finish testing and know that the next time we go on track we will be at a race meeting. I can hardly wait to get back on track here at Silverstone in just over a week’s time and get stuck into the racing.”


Yukio Kagayama: “Silverstone is a nice circuit and I really like it. I was riding comfortably and I am still close to the fastest time. Today I tried at 80 per cent. When I come back to race I will be at 100 per cent or more.

“My fitness is now becoming very good. I am training three hours a day in the gym. I feel stronger every day and riding my Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 gives me big power to heal quickly.”


Simon Green, Team Co-ordinator: “We are ready to start racing now. We have used our pre-season test sessions to evaluate parts and settings and it has been a huge success. We have concentrated on getting a bike that will be competitive when the the racing starts and we are very confident.

“JR and Yuki are both in high spirits and happy with the performance of their Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000s. No question, we will be at Silverstone on March 28th racing for the top step of the podium.”